Detachable connection between a projectile and a propellant-charge case

ABSTRACT

A detachable connection between a projectile and a propellantcharge case for cartridge-encased ammunition adapted to be fired from a gun barrel. The propellant-charge case is provided at the front end zone with at least one recess receiving a locking element radially displaceable between inner and outer end positions. The element in the outer end position projects outwardly of the propellant-charge case to an extent sufficient to prevent complete introduction of the propellant-charge case into the gun barrel and is supported in this position by a movable blocking member which is displaceable against the force of a spring toward the rear of the propellant-charge case. The projectile which is to be connected with the propellant-charge case is provided with a tail portion arranged for contacting the blocking member and to displace the blocking member toward the rear. The tail portion is also provided with a recess adapted to be engaged by the locking element upon displacement of the blocking member such that the locking element assumes the inner end position connecting the projectile and the propellant charge case and permitting introduction of the flush connection of the projectile and the propellant-charge case into the gun barrel for support therein.

United States Patent [1 1 Voss et al.

[451 Apr. 23, 1974 DETACHABLE CONNECTION BETWEEN A PROJECTILE AND APROPELLANT-CHARGE CASE [75] Inventors: Alfred Voss, Cologne; HeinzKroschel; Manfred Strunk, both of Troisdorf, Germany [73] Assignee:Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschaft,

Troisdorf, Germany 22 Filed: Mar. 7, 1973 211 App]. No.: 338,894

[52] US. Cl. 102/38, 102/49.1

[5 l] Int. Cl. F42b 13/00, F42b 13/22 [58] Field of Search 102/93, 38,49.1

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,993,444 7/1961 Hablutzel102/93 2,998,778 9/1961 Hablutzel 102/93 2,998,779 9/1961 MacRoberts102/93 2,998,780 9/1961 Anspacher et al.... 102/93 3,100,448 8/1963Hablutzel 102/93 3,359,905 12/1967 Engel 102/93 2,529,504 11/1950Kroeger et a1. 102/38 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 3/1966 GreatBritain Primary Examiner-Leland A. Sebastian Attorney, Agent, orFirmCraig and Antonelli [57] ABSTRACT A detachable connection between aprojectile and a propellant-charge case for cartridge-encased ammunitionadapted to be fired from a gun barrel. The propellant-charge case isprovided at the front end zone with at least one recess receiving alocking element radially displaceable between inner and outer endpositions. The element in the outer end position projects outwardly ofthe propellant-charge case to an extent sufficient to prevent completeintroduction of the propellant-charge case into the gun barrel and issupported in this position by a movable blocking member which isdisplaceable against the force of a spring toward the rear of thepropellant-charge case. The projectile which is to be connected with thepropellant-charge case is provided with a tail portion arranged forcontacting the blocking member and to displace the blocking membertoward the rear. The tail portion is also provided with a recess adaptedto be engaged by the locking element upon displacement of the blockingmember such that the locking element assumes the inner end positionconnecting the projectile and the propellant charge case and permittingintroduction of the flush connection of the projectile and thepropellant-charge case into the gun barrel for support therein.

45 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEUAPR23 m4 3805702 SHEET 3 BF 3 FIG.50

FIG. 5b

H I ll 31 r M h o 5 FM Mi FIG 6 DETACHABLE CONNECTION BETWEEN APROJECTILE AND A PROPELLANT-CHARGE CASE The present invention relates toa detachable connection between a projectile and a propellant-chargecase for cartridge-encased ammunition to be shot from the barrel of agun.

A characterizing feature of cartridge-encased ammunition is theconnection of the projectile and the propellant charge. This connectioncan be fixed or detachable. However, in the latter case, there must bethe assurance that the connection, produced mostly by hand, is so firmthat it is not released when loading the ammunition or during thetransporting of the loaded gun. Normally, the detachable connections arescrew or plug connections. In such couplings, there is the danger thatthe threading or plugging step is not carried out entirely whereby afirm connection is not provided so that detachment is possible, forexample, by vibration or impact. In practice, accidents have happenedrepeatedly because of such faulty connections or because severalpropellant charges were simultaneously introduced into the gun bymistake.

it is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome thedisadvantages of the conventional detachable connections.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a safetycoupling which permits the introduction of the ammunition into thebarrel of the gun only if the connection between the projectile andpropellantcharge case has been flawlessly executed.

According to a feature of the present invention, the propellant-chargecase, in the zone of its front end is provided with at least one lockingelement guided in a recess and being radially displaceable between anouter and an inner end position. The locking element projects, in theouter end position, from the propellantcharge case to such an extentthat it prevents the further introduction of the propellent-charge caseinto the gun barrel and is detained in the outer end position by restingon the inside on a blocking member arranged within the propellant-chargecase. The blocking member is axially rearwardly displaceable against theforce ofa spring by the introduction of the tail of the projectile intothe propellant-charge case, thereby permitting the locking element toengage in the inner end position thereof, a corresponding recess of thetail of the projectile. The locking element is fixed in this connection,with a flust coupling of projectile and propellantcharge case, by beingsupported with the outer surface thereof against the inner wall of thegun barrel.

This ensures in an advantageous manner that the propellant-charge caseper se. i.e., without the projectile, can be pushed into the gun barrelfrom the front only until the at least one locking element, whichprojects beyond the gun caliber, abuts the gun muzzle. A furtherintroduction into the gun barrel is possible only after the projectile,with its tail, has been pushed to such an extent into thepropellant-charge case that the locking element has engaged thecorresponding recess and the flawless coupling between projectile andpropellantcharge case has thus been completed. Accordingly, aninadvertent loading of several propellant charges is no longer possible.In the loaded condition, the propellant charge cannot detach itself fromthe projectile, even when the gun is set down hard, since the lockingelement is arrested in its inner end position wherein the projectile andthe propellant-charge case are in flush connection by resting againstthe inner wall of the gun barrel.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, in order toeffect the radial displacement of the locking element in a maximallysimple manner, the surface of the locking element and/or of the muzzleof the gun barrel or the recess in the tail of the projectile is formedto be inclined in the common contact zone, so that forces actuallyeffective in the axial direction are divided in the common contact zoneinto force components including a radial component which makes itpossible for the at least one locking element to be radially displaced.Such axial forces occur during the loading of the ammunition, when thetail of the projectile is introduced into the propellant-charge case andthe front end of the propellant-charge case presses the locking elementagainst the gun muzzle. In contrast thereto, in the loaded condition,the blocking member, which is under a spring force, is pressed towardthe front against the tail of the projectile, and the latter, in turn,is pressed correspondingly against the locking element. In this manner,the locking element passes over spontaneously from its outer endposition into the inner end position during the loading of theammunition, while, during the discharge, it passes over converselyspontaneously again into the outer end position in an advantageousmanner, as soon as it can no longer contact the inner surface of the gunbarrel.

In order to obtain a defined separation between the projectile and thepropellant-charge case during the firing of the ammunition, inaccordance with another feature of the present invention, the frontregion of the propellant-charge case, equipped with the at least onelocking element, is connected with the remaining portion of thepropellant-charge case by way of a predetermined breaking or rupturingpoint. Depending on the requirements, the arrangement can be such thatthe separated front portion of the propellant-charge case remainsconnected to the tail of the projectile and hits the target togethertherewith, or falls to the ground harmlessly after a certain flightdistance from the gun. in the former case, the provision can be made,for example, to keep the radial play between the projectile tail and thesection of the case to be separated relatively small, in order to joinboth parts by a frictional connection. This effect is still furtherenhanced, in case of a hollow tail of the projectile, by the fact thatthis tail is additionally pressed against the separated case sectionunder the pressure action of the propellant gases. In order to avoid apossible bursting of the separated case section due to the pressureeffect of the propellant gases, it has proven to be advantageous toprovide the front zone of the propellant-charge case having the lockingelement, with radial pressure equalization bores.

According to the present invention, the front zone of thepropellant-charge case having the locking element is advantageouslyconstructed for reasons of manufacturing technology as a separatemounting ring connected with the remaining parts of the propellantchargecase by suitable securing means such as glue, screws, or the like. Anadditional advantage results in that, for example, it is possible toadapt to differing requirements with respect to required strength forthe front section of the propellant-charge case and the remainingsection in an optimum manner by selecting different material therefor.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the blockingmember is formed as a sliding sleeve coaxially arranged between thepropellant-charge case and an internal socket inserted therein, whereinthe internal socket, in view of the pressure effect of the propellantgases, is suitably provided with radial pressure equalization bores. Inorder to prevent an inadvertent escape of the sliding sleeve from itsfixed position, the invention furthermore provides that thepropellant-charge case and the internal socket project past the frontend of the sliding sleeve in the position for locking the lockingelement in the outer end position so that the sliding sleeve isprotected from an immediate unauthorized access.

According to a further feature of the present invention, in order toprovide a maximally firm junction of the projectile and thepropellant-charge case, which junction is uniform along the periphery,at least two locking elements are suitably disposed so that they aresymmetrically distributed along the circumference of thepropellant-charge case. In order to make it possible to insert theprojectile in the propellant-charge case in an unoriented manner, it isadvantageous to form the recess in the tail of the projectile as anexternal annular groove. A suitable locking element may, for example, bein the form of a cylindrical pin provided on one or optionally also bothends with a lenticular, spherical, or like curvature, in order tofacilitate the sliding of this pin along the muzzle of the gun barreland/or along the rear edge of the recess in the tail of the projectile.In order to keep the friction maximally low during the radialdisplacement of the locking element within the recess in thepropellant-charge case, it is advantageous to employ balls as lockingelements. The locking element can be manufactured, for example of steel,as maybe the sliding sleeve. The strength, hardness, etc. must be chosenso that the flawless functioning of the safety coupling is ensured evenafter repeated loading and discharging. In order to avoid an undesiredwearing of the gun barrel, especially during firing, due to the lockingelement resting against its inner wall, it is advantageous to constructthe surface of the locking element with a lower hardness than the innerwall of the gun barrel.

In accordance with the present invention, in order to substantiallyreduce the danger of resultant damage to the gun barrel in the form ofabrasions, scores, or the like, during the course of time, the recessfor the at least one locking element provided in the zone of the frontend of the propellant-charge case is constructed to be inclined, as seenfrom the inner end thereof, toward the rear end of the propellant-chargecase. This provides the advantage that also the force exerted by thepropellant-charge case on the locking element during the accelerationphase upon firing contains a radial component which is opposed to theradial force exerted by the projectile and thus reduces the pressurecontact of the locking element on the gun barrel wall. Depending on theangle of inclination of the recess, it is possible in a controllablemanner to adapt the pressure relief of the locking element to therespective requirements.

The recess for the locking element can be constructed, for example, as acircular-cylindrical bore, i.e., with a straight longitudinal axis, oralso with a helically wound longitudinal axis. In any event, however,

the arrangement can be such that the locking element, after leaving thegun barrel, is pressed out of its recess by the thus-produced flow ofpropellant gases and separates away from the projectile in a controlleddirection. The direction is determined, for example, by the speed of theprojectile, the ejection speed of the locking element, and theinclination of the recess.

If it is not desired to press the locking element, upon firing, out ofits recess, and if this cannot be prevented solely by the mechanicalbending over of the recess at its outer end or the like, care must betaken that, after emptying the gun barrel, a quick reduction of the gaspressure takes place on the inside of the locking element. According toanother feature of the invention, the propellant-charge case isprovided, for this purpose, in the zone of the recess for the lockingelement, with an inner and optionally also an outer annular groove. Theinner annular groove effects, after emptying of the gun barrel, a rapidescape of the propellant charge gases, especially if the front zone ofthe propellant-charge case carrying the locking element is provided withradial pressure equalization bores. The outer annular groove, incontradistinction, makes it possible, in the gun barrel, that thepropellant charge gases can quickly attain access to the outside of thelocking element and thus contributes toward relieving the pressurethereon.

In addition to the annular grooves or in place thereof, the presentinvention furthermore provides that the locking element contacts thewall of the recess only at a few points along its periphery. Thus, thelocking element does not fill the cross section of the recess entirely,so that part of the propellant charge gases can flow off laterally pastthe locking element through the recess. For example, the recess can beformed for this purpose with a regular polygonal or hexagonal crosssection, so that when a ball is employed as the locking element, thisball contacts the wall of the hexagonal cross-sectional recess only atsix points. These measures make it possible either to keep the frontzone of the propellant-charge case separated upon firing in connectionwith the tail of the projectile and have it impinge upon the targettogether with the projectile, or, in case of a corresponding radial playbetween the tail of the projectile and the separated annular section, todrop the front zone of the propellant charge case to the ground after acertain flight distance from the gun muzzle.

In order to facilitate, during the unloading of the gun and thethus-occurring uncoupling of projectile and propellant-charge case, theaxial forward movement of the sliding sleeve beneath the lockingelement, the present invention further provides that the outer diameterof the front zone of the sliding sleeve is formed to be somewhat smallerthan the outer diameter of the rear end of the projectile. In thisconnection, it is advantageous to provide the sliding sleeve, at thetransition from its cylindrical outer surface to the front end face,with a rounded region in order to counteract the danger of a possiblejamming of the locking element due to a sharp-edged sliding sleeve. Inaccordance with another feature of this invention, the sliding sleeve isprovided in its rear zone with radial pressure equalization bores inorder to prevent this part from being bent during firing under theeffect of the propellant gases, or that it is torn off and thereby, incertain cases, results in a jamming of the parts of the coupling withinthe gun barrel after firing. Such a jamming is undesirable, since itmakes the loading of the next round difficult.

For the same reason, it also is advantageous, when using the separatemounting ring for the locking element, to provide the tubular extensionutilized for the connection of the mounting ring with the remaining partof the propellant-charge case with axial predetermined breaking orrupturing points. These predetermined breaking points, which, forexample, are milled or notched therein, make it possible during firing,for the tubular extension to tear open in a uniform manner together withthe propellant-charge case glued thereto, and thus prevent the undesiredjamming in the gun barrel. By this defined rupturing effect, thevariations in the firing gas pressure, occurring from one shot to thenext, are also reduced and thus the deviations in the projectilevelocities are diminished and the target accuracy is increased.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, in order toprevent during firing the internal socket from being pushed with itsrear end into the tubular extension of the mounting ring, thus jammingthe propellant-charge case within the gun barrel under certaincircumstances, it is advantageous to connect the mounting ring flushwith the internal socket by flanging the rear edge of the tubularextension into a corresponding annular groove of the internal socket.

These and further objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more obvious from the following description whentaken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, forpurposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance withthe present invention, and wherein FIG. 1 is a fragmentary longitudinalsection view of a propellant-charge case and a projectile prior toconnecting the same in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the coupledcomponents within the gun barrel;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of the propellant-charge case andthe projectile in the coupled condition within the gun barrel inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the zone of the recess of thelocking element of the FIG. 3 embodiment on an enlarged scale;

FIGS. 5a and 5b are fragmentary sectional views respectivelyillustrating different arrangements for the front zone of thepropellant-charge case; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the mounting ring and the internal socket in aplan view.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designatelike parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to FIG.1, there is shown a propellant-charge case 1 and a gun barrel 2, onlythe front portions of which are illustrated. The propellantcharge case 1is pushed into the gun barrel 2 to such an extent that the lockingelements 3, in this instance, for example, three balls arranged so thatthey are uniformly distributed along the periphery of thepropellant-charge case, abut against the gun barrel muzzle 4. Thelocking elements 3 are disposed within a recess 5 in the front zone ofthe propellant-charge case 1 with the recess 5 being constructed as aradial bore, bent over toward the inside and outside, so that the ballcannot escape from the bore on any side.

The front zone of the propellant-charge case 1 with the locking elements3 is constructed as a separate mounting ring 6 having a tubularextension 7 which projects into the remaining part of thepropellantcharge case 1 and is joined thereto for example by gluing. Thelocking elements 3 rest interiorly on an axially movable sliding sleeve8 which, in its locking position, is pressed by a spring 9 toward thefront against the abutment face 10 in the mounting ring 6 and/or itsextension 7. The rearward portion of the spring 9 rests against aninternal socket member 11, which is firmly connected with the projection7 as, for example, by gluing. The mounting ring 6 has a predeterminedrupturing point 12, formed as an annular notch, at the transition to theextension 7 of the mounting ring such that during firing, the actualmounting ring 6 is separated at this rupturing point. The mounting ring6 furthermore exhibits radial pressure equalization bores 13 disposed sothat they are uniformly distributed along the circumference.

The internal socket 11, in order to avoid an undesired deformation underthe effect of the gas pressure of the reacting propellant charge housedin the interior 14 of the propellant-charge case 1, is provided withradial pressure equalization bores 15 which are covered during storageand transporting of the propellant charge by a foil of, for example,aluminum, not shown, for preventing the entrance of, for example,atmospheric humidity. Additionally, the sliding sleeve 8 is alsoprovided with a sealing ring 16 of felt, for example, seated on theinternal socket 11. The latter carries, at its front end, an annulardisk 17 of a synthetic hard foam material, for example. The annular disk17 is provided with an aperture 18 which makes it possible to ignite anadditional solid-fuel rocket engine disposed in the projectile, whichengine is not shown, by means of the hot propellant gases of the firingcharge and is sealed until firing by means of a foil 19, for example, ofaluminum.

The tail portion of a projectile 20, only a portion of which isillustrated and shown at a spacing from the propellant-charge case 1,has an exteriorly disposed recess 21 at the tail end which, in thisembodiment, is formed as a continuous annular groove. Two sealing rings22 of Teflon, Perbunan, or the like are arranged in succession on thejacket of the tail 20 of the projectile. For connecting the projectilewith the propellant charge, the projectile is inserted with its annularend 23 in the ring slot between the mounting ring 6 and the internalsocket 11 and displaces during this step the sliding sleeve 8 againstthe force of the spring 9 toward the rear to such an extent that therecesses 5 and 21 face each other. In this position, the tall 20 of theprojectile then rests with its abutment face 24 against the mountingring 6. Upon a further axial pressure on the tail 20 of the projectile,the locking elements 3 are pressed by the rounded inner edge 25 of thegun muzzle 4 toward the inside into the recess 21, so that thepropellant-charge case 1, together with the projectile, can be pushed asshown in FIG. 2 into the loaded position in the gun barrel 2. Thelocking elements 3 then connect the propellant-charge case 1 flush withthe tail 20 of the projectile and are arrested in this position bysupporting themselves against the inner wall of the gun barrel 2, sothat a separation of projectile and propellant charge in the gun barrel2, except for during firing, is no longer possible.

During the possible unloading of the ammunition, the locking elements 3are pressed again toward the outside into their locking positionpreventing the individual loading of the propellant charge by means ofthe sliding sleeve 8 under the force of the spring 9 and/or by the rearedge 26 of the recess 21 in the tail 20 of the projectile, as soon asthe ammunition has been shifted toward the front to such an extent thatthe locking elements 3 have exited from the gun muzzle 4 and thus can nolonger rest within the gun barrel 2. The projectile and the propellantcharge are then again separated from each other, and the propellantcharge is blocked against inappropriate individual loading.

As shown in the embodiment of the safety coupling of FIG. 3, the lockingelements 3 in the form of balls are guided in recesses 5, thelongitudinal axis of the recesses being inclined with respect to thetransverse axis of the propellant-charge case 1 by the angle a (FIG. 4).In practice, an angle a of, for example l has proved to be advantageous.In any event, the direction of the inclination is selected so that therecess 5, as seen from the interior ofthe propellant-charge case 1,points to the rear end of the propellant-charge case 1. The tubularextension 7 of the mounting ring 6 is flanged over at its rear end 27into a corresponding annular groove 28 of the internal socket 11, so thelatter is securely connected with the mounting ring 6 in a shape-matingmanner. As shown, the sliding sleeve 8 has radial pressure equalizationbores 29 provided in the rear zone thereof.

FIG. 4 shows, by the arrow P, the force exerted on the locking element3, during firing, by the propellantcharge case 1 or the mounting ring 6,respectively. The force P has an axial component P, and a radialcomponent P,. The latter is directed toward the interior ofthe-propellant-charge case 1 and thereby effects the radial relief ofthe locking element 3 according to this embodiment and thus results in aconsiderable reduction of the wear and tear on the barrel by the lockingelement 3 in pressure contact therewith. The force exerted by the edge26 of the tail of the projectile on the locking element 3 during firingis not illustrated for drawing clarity. The outer diameter of thesliding sleeve 8 is, in its front region, smaller than the outerdiameter of the rear end of the projectile to aid in its movement in theuncoupling operation. At the transition from the outer cylindricalsurface to the front end face, the sliding sleeve 8 is provided with therounded portion 30 to aid in the movement beneath the locking ball 3.The extension 7 in accordance with this embodiment is provided withaxially extending predetermind breaking points 31, constructed as alongitudinal notch, only one of which is shown in in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 5a, the mounting ring 6 is provided, in the zone of therecess indicated in dashed lines, with the inner and outer annulargrooves 32, 33 and as shown in FIG. 5b, the recess 5 formed in themounting ring is provided for example with a hexagonal cross section.These recess arrangements ensure that the propellant charge gas canquickly attain access to the outside of the locking element so as torelieve the pressure thereon.

FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the mounting ring 6 with theextension 7 surrounding the internal socket 11. As shown, the mountingring is provided with a plurality of recesses receiving the lockingelements 3 as well as a plurality of pressure equalization bores 13.

Additionally, the mounting ring is provided with an annularpredetermined breaking point 12 and axial predetermined breaking points31, only one of which is illustrated.

The present invention thus provides a detachable safety couplingarrangement for a projectile and propellant charge case which ensures aflawless connection and the maintenance thereof within a gun barrel.Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in the light of the above teachings. It should therefore beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

We claim:

1. Detachable connection between a projectile and a propellant-chargecase for cartridge-encased ammunition fired from a gun barrel, saidpropellant charge case having a front and a rear end and a longitudinalaxis, said connection comprising first recess means provided in the zoneof the front end of said propellant charge case, at least one lockingmeans being received in said first recess means for guided movementtherein and being radially displaceable between inner and outer endpositions with respect to the longitudinal axis of said propellantcharge case, said locking means in the outer end position projecting outof said propellantcharge case to an extent sufficient to prevent thecomplete introduction of said propellant charge case into the gunbarrel, blocking means disposed in said propellant-charge case forsupporting said locking means in the outer end position thereof, meansbiasing said blocking means into the support position and said blockingmeans being displaceable toward the rear end of said propellant-chargecase from the support position against the force of said biasing means,said projectile having a tail portion for connection with saidpropellant-charge case and arranged for contacting said blocking meansand displacing said blocking means from the support position toward therear end of said propellant-charge case, said tail portion having secondrecess means formed therein, said locking means engaging said secondrecess means to assume the inner end position thereof for connectingsaid projectile and said propellant-charge case and for permittingintroduction thereof within the gun barrel with the connection of saidprojectile and said propellant-charge case being supported within thegun barrel.

2. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid locking means, a muzzle of the gun barrel and said second recessmeans is provided with an inclined surface portion in the common contactzone of said locking means, the muzzle and said second recess forensuring that forces acting in the axial direction serve for radiallydisplacing said locking means.

3. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein saidpropellant-charge case is provided with a predetermined breaking pointin the region joining the front zone with a rearwardly extending portionof said propellant-charge case whereby the front zone breaks away fromthe rearwardly extending portion when a predetermined force at saidpredetermined breaking point is exceeded.

4. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein the front endzone of said propellant-charge case having said first recess meansreceiving said locking means is provided with radially extendingpressure equalization bores.

5. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein the front endzone of said propellant-charge case having said first recess meansreceiving said locking means is a separate mounting ring and is joinedto a rearwardly extending portion of said propellantcharge case bysecuring means.

6. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein said blockingmeans is a sliding sleeve means coaxially arranged between saidpropellant-charge case and an internal socket means disposed within saidpropellant-charge case.

7. Detachable connection according to claim 6, wherein said internalsocket means is provided with radially extending pressure equalizationbores.

8. Detachable connection according to claim 6, wherein the front end ofsaid propellant-charge case and said internal socket means extend beyondthe front end of said sliding sleeve means in the support positionthereof.

9. Detachable connection according to claim 1, comprising at least twolocking means and at least two first recess means provided in the frontend zone of said propellant charge case receiving said locking means,said first recess means and said locking means being symmetricallypositioned along the periphery of said propellant-charge case.

10. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein said secondrecess means is an external annular groove provided in the tail portionof said projectile.

l1. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein said lockingmeans is a ball member.

12. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein said biasingmeans is a spring means.

13. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein said firstrecess means is provided with a guide surface for said locking meanswhich is inclined rearwardly in the outward direction.

14. Detachable connection according to claim 13, wherein said guidesurface is inclined at an angle of approximately l with respect to thetransverse axis of said propellant-charge case.

15. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein the front endzone of said propellant-charge case is provided in the region of saidfirst recess means with at least a first annular groove.

16. Detachable connection according to claim 15, wherein said firstannular groove is provided in an inwardly facing portion of the frontend zone of said propellant-charge case.

17. Detachable connection according to claim 16, wherein the front endzone is provided with a second annular groove in the region of saidfirst recess means, said second annular groove being provided in anoutwardly facing portion of the front end zone of said propellant-chargecase.

18. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein said firstrecess means has a cross-sectional shape which differs from thecross-sectional shape of said locking means movable therein such thatsaid locking means contacts said first recess means only at spacedpoints along the periphery of said locking means. i

19. Detachable connection according to claim 18, wherein said recess ispolygonal shaped in cross section and said locking means is a ballmember.

20. Detachable connection according to claim 19, wherein said recess ishexogonal shaped in cross section.

21. Detachable connection according to claim 6, wherein said slidingsleeve means is provided with a first outer diameter at the front regionthereof and said tail portion of said projectile is provided with asecond outer diameter in the region of said recess means, said firstouter diameter being less than said second outer diameter.

22. Detachable connection according to claim 21, wherein said slidingsleeve means is provided with a rounded portion in the transitionalregion between the first outer diameter region and the front end facethereof.

23. Detachable connection according to claim 21, wherein said slidingsleeve means is provided with radially extending pressure equalizationbores in the rear portion thereof.

24. Detachable connection according to claim 6, wherein said mountingring includes the front end zone of said propellant-charge case and atubular member extending rearwardly therefrom, said tubular member beingprovided with axially extending predetermined breaking points.

25. Detachable connection according to claim 24, wherein said internalsocket means is provided with an annular groove and said tubular memberis provided with a flanged portion at the rear edge thereof extendinginto said annular groove for providing a flush connection of saidmounting ring and said internal socket means.

26. Detachable connection according to claim 4, wherein the front endzone of said propellant-charge case having said first recess meansreceiving said locking means is provided with radially extendingpressure equalization bores.

27. Detachable connection according to claim 26, wherein the front endzone of said propellant-charge case having said first recess meansreceiving said locking means is a separate mounting ring and is joinedto a rearwardly extending portion of said propellant charge case bysecuring means.

28. Detachable connection according to claim 27, wherein said blockingmeans is a sliding sleeve means coaxially arranged between saidpropellant-charge case and an internal socket means disposed within saidpropellant-charge case.

29. Detachable connection according to claim 28, wherein said internalsocket means is provided with radially extending pressure equalizationbores.

30. Detachable connection according to claim 29, wherein the front endof said propellant-charge case and said internal socket means extendbeyond the front end of said sliding sleeve means in the supportposition thereof.

31. Detachable connection according to claim 30, comprising at least twolocking means and at least two first recess means provided in the frontend zone of said propellant charge case receiving said locking means,said first recess means and said locking means being symmetricallypositioned along the periphery of said propellant-charge case.

32. Detachable connection according to claim 31, wherein said secondrecess means is an external annular groove provided in the tail portionof said projectile.

33. Detachable connection according to claim 32, wherein said firstrecess means is provided with a guide surface for said locking meanswhich is inclined rearwardly in the outward direction.

34. Detachable connection according to claim 33, wherein the front endzone of said propellant-charge case is provided in the region of saidfirst recess means with at least a first annular groove.

35. Detachable connection according to claim 34, wherein said firstannular groove is provided in an inwardly facing portion of the frontend zone of said propellant-charge case.

36. Detachable connection according to claim 35, wherein the front endzone is provided with a second annular groove in the region of saidfirst recess means, said second annular groove being provided in anoutwardly facing portion of the front end zone of said propellant-chargecase.

37. Detachable connection according to claim 33, wherein said firstrecess means has a cross-sectional shape which differs from thecross-sectional shape of said locking means movable therein such thatsaid locking means contacts said first recess means only at spacedpoints along the periphery of said locking means.

38. Detachable connection according to claim 37, wherein said recess ispolygonal shaped in cross section and said locking means is a ballmember.

39. Detachable connection according to claim 38, wherein said recess ishexogonal shaped in cross section.

40. Detachable connection according to claim 37,

wherein said sliding sleeve means is provided with a first outerdiameter at the front region thereof and said tail portion of saidprojectile is provided with a second outer diameter in the region ofsaid second recess means, said first outer diameter being less than saidsecond outer diameter.

41. Detachable connection according to claim 40, wherein said slidingsleeve means is provided with a rounded portion in the transitionalregion between the first outer diameter region and the front end facethereof.

42. Detachable connection according to claim 41, wherein said slidingsleeve means is provided with radially extending pressure equalizationbores in the rear portion thereof.

43. Detachable connection according to claim 42, wherein said mountingring includes the front end zone of said propellant-charge case and atubular member extending rearwardly therefrom, said tubular member beingprovided with axially extending predetermined breaking points.

44. Detachable connection according to claim 43, wherein said internalsocket means is provided with an annular groove and said tubular memberis provided with a flanged portion at the rear edge thereof extendinginto said annular groove for providing a flush connection of saidmounting ring and said internal socket means.

45. Detachable connection according to claim 44,

wherein said locking means is a ball member.

1. Detachable connection between a projectile and a propellantchargecase for cartridge-encased ammunition fired from a gun barrel, saidpropellant charge case having a front and a rear end and a longitudinalaxis, said connection comprising first recess means provided in the zoneof the front end of said propellant charge case, at least one lockingmeans being received in said first recess means for guided movementtherein and being radially displaceable between inner and outer endpositions with respect to the longitudinal axis of said propellantcharge case, said locking means in the outer end position projecting outof said propellAnt-charge case to an extent sufficient to prevent thecomplete introduction of said propellant charge case into the gunbarrel, blocking means disposed in said propellant-charge case forsupporting said locking means in the outer end position thereof, meansbiasing said blocking means into the support position and said blockingmeans being displaceable toward the rear end of said propellant-chargecase from the support position against the force of said biasing means,said projectile having a tail portion for connection with saidpropellant-charge case and arranged for contacting said blocking meansand displacing said blocking means from the support position toward therear end of said propellant-charge case, said tail portion having secondrecess means formed therein, said locking means engaging said secondrecess means to assume the inner end position thereof for connectingsaid projectile and said propellant-charge case and for permittingintroduction thereof within the gun barrel with the connection of saidprojectile and said propellant-charge case being supported within thegun barrel.
 2. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein atleast one of said locking means, a muzzle of the gun barrel and saidsecond recess means is provided with an inclined surface portion in thecommon contact zone of said locking means, the muzzle and said secondrecess for ensuring that forces acting in the axial direction serve forradially displacing said locking means.
 3. Detachable connectionaccording to claim 1, wherein said propellant-charge case is providedwith a predetermined breaking point in the region joining the front zonewith a rearwardly extending portion of said propellant-charge casewhereby the front zone breaks away from the rearwardly extending portionwhen a predetermined force at said predetermined breaking point isexceeded.
 4. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein thefront end zone of said propellant-charge case having said first recessmeans receiving said locking means is provided with radially extendingpressure equalization bores.
 5. Detachable connection according to claim1, wherein the front end zone of said propellant-charge case having saidfirst recess means receiving said locking means is a separate mountingring and is joined to a rearwardly extending portion of saidpropellant-charge case by securing means.
 6. Detachable connectionaccording to claim 1, wherein said blocking means is a sliding sleevemeans coaxially arranged between said propellant-charge case and aninternal socket means disposed within said propellant-charge case. 7.Detachable connection according to claim 6, wherein said internal socketmeans is provided with radially extending pressure equalization bores.8. Detachable connection according to claim 6, wherein the front end ofsaid propellant-charge case and said internal socket means extend beyondthe front end of said sliding sleeve means in the support positionthereof.
 9. Detachable connection according to claim 1, comprising atleast two locking means and at least two first recess means provided inthe front end zone of said propellant charge case receiving said lockingmeans, said first recess means and said locking means beingsymmetrically positioned along the periphery of said propellant-chargecase.
 10. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein saidsecond recess means is an external annular groove provided in the tailportion of said projectile.
 11. Detachable connection according to claim1, wherein said locking means is a ball member.
 12. Detachableconnection according to claim 1, wherein said biasing means is a springmeans.
 13. Detachable connection according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst recess means is provided with a guide surface for said lockingmeans which is inclined rearwardly in the outward direction. 14.Detachable connection according to claim 13, wherein said guide surfaceis inclined at an angle of approximately 15* wIth respect to thetransverse axis of said propellant-charge case.
 15. Detachableconnection according to claim 1, wherein the front end zone of saidpropellant-charge case is provided in the region of said first recessmeans with at least a first annular groove.
 16. Detachable connectionaccording to claim 15, wherein said first annular groove is provided inan inwardly facing portion of the front end zone of saidpropellant-charge case.
 17. Detachable connection according to claim 16,wherein the front end zone is provided with a second annular groove inthe region of said first recess means, said second annular groove beingprovided in an outwardly facing portion of the front end zone of saidpropellant-charge case.
 18. Detachable connection according to claim 1,wherein said first recess means has a cross-sectional shape whichdiffers from the cross-sectional shape of said locking means movabletherein such that said locking means contacts said first recess meansonly at spaced points along the periphery of said locking means. 19.Detachable connection according to claim 18, wherein said recess ispolygonal shaped in cross section and said locking means is a ballmember.
 20. Detachable connection according to claim 19, wherein saidrecess is hexogonal shaped in cross section.
 21. Detachable connectionaccording to claim 6, wherein said sliding sleeve means is provided witha first outer diameter at the front region thereof and said tail portionof said projectile is provided with a second outer diameter in theregion of said recess means, said first outer diameter being less thansaid second outer diameter.
 22. Detachable connection according to claim21, wherein said sliding sleeve means is provided with a rounded portionin the transitional region between the first outer diameter region andthe front end face thereof.
 23. Detachable connection according to claim21, wherein said sliding sleeve means is provided with radiallyextending pressure equalization bores in the rear portion thereof. 24.Detachable connection according to claim 6, wherein said mounting ringincludes the front end zone of said propellant-charge case and a tubularmember extending rearwardly therefrom, said tubular member beingprovided with axially extending predetermined breaking points. 25.Detachable connection according to claim 24, wherein said internalsocket means is provided with an annular groove and said tubular memberis provided with a flanged portion at the rear edge thereof extendinginto said annular groove for providing a flush connection of saidmounting ring and said internal socket means.
 26. Detachable connectionaccording to claim 4, wherein the front end zone of saidpropellant-charge case having said first recess means receiving saidlocking means is provided with radially extending pressure equalizationbores.
 27. Detachable connection according to claim 26, wherein thefront end zone of said propellant-charge case having said first recessmeans receiving said locking means is a separate mounting ring and isjoined to a rearwardly extending portion of said propellant-charge caseby securing means.
 28. Detachable connection according to claim 27,wherein said blocking means is a sliding sleeve means coaxially arrangedbetween said propellant-charge case and an internal socket meansdisposed within said propellant-charge case.
 29. Detachable connectionaccording to claim 28, wherein said internal socket means is providedwith radially extending pressure equalization bores.
 30. Detachableconnection according to claim 29, wherein the front end of saidpropellant-charge case and said internal socket means extend beyond thefront end of said sliding sleeve means in the support position thereof.31. Detachable connection according to claim 30, comprising at least twolocking means and at least two first recess means provided in the frontend zone of said propellant charge case receiving said locking means,said first recess meanS and said locking means being symmetricallypositioned along the periphery of said propellant-charge case. 32.Detachable connection according to claim 31, wherein said second recessmeans is an external annular groove provided in the tail portion of saidprojectile.
 33. Detachable connection according to claim 32, whereinsaid first recess means is provided with a guide surface for saidlocking means which is inclined rearwardly in the outward direction. 34.Detachable connection according to claim 33, wherein the front end zoneof said propellant-charge case is provided in the region of said firstrecess means with at least a first annular groove.
 35. Detachableconnection according to claim 34, wherein said first annular groove isprovided in an inwardly facing portion of the front end zone of saidpropellant-charge case.
 36. Detachable connection according to claim 35,wherein the front end zone is provided with a second annular groove inthe region of said first recess means, said second annular groove beingprovided in an outwardly facing portion of the front end zone of saidpropellant-charge case.
 37. Detachable connection according to claim 33,wherein said first recess means has a cross-sectional shape whichdiffers from the cross-sectional shape of said locking means movabletherein such that said locking means contacts said first recess meansonly at spaced points along the periphery of said locking means. 38.Detachable connection according to claim 37, wherein said recess ispolygonal shaped in cross section and said locking means is a ballmember.
 39. Detachable connection according to claim 38, wherein saidrecess is hexogonal shaped in cross section.
 40. Detachable connectionaccording to claim 37, wherein said sliding sleeve means is providedwith a first outer diameter at the front region thereof and said tailportion of said projectile is provided with a second outer diameter inthe region of said second recess means, said first outer diameter beingless than said second outer diameter.
 41. Detachable connectionaccording to claim 40, wherein said sliding sleeve means is providedwith a rounded portion in the transitional region between the firstouter diameter region and the front end face thereof.
 42. Detachableconnection according to claim 41, wherein said sliding sleeve means isprovided with radially extending pressure equalization bores in the rearportion thereof.
 43. Detachable connection according to claim 42,wherein said mounting ring includes the front end zone of saidpropellant-charge case and a tubular member extending rearwardlytherefrom, said tubular member being provided with axially extendingpredetermined breaking points.
 44. Detachable connection according toclaim 43, wherein said internal socket means is provided with an annulargroove and said tubular member is provided with a flanged portion at therear edge thereof extending into said annular groove for providing aflush connection of said mounting ring and said internal socket means.45. Detachable connection according to claim 44, wherein said lockingmeans is a ball member.